Over here the definition is the same, but I have never heard anyone refer to
their vessel as a "yacht". You regularly see the term in print,"yacht:"
brokers, "yacht" manufacturers, "yacht" clubs etc. One comes immediately to
mind, Catalina Yachts, their largest vessel is 50'. Probably more yacht-like
than 25', but most folks over here think in terms of much larger than 50'
when calling a vessel a "yacht". I know the term is technically correct, but
I think it's turning into the opposite of the term "gentleman", which
originally referred to a man's status as a landowner, has become a term
referring to a person's good manners. Gentleman has become *******ized,
yacht has become more exclusive.
John Cairns

"Donal" wrote in message
...

"Joe" wrote in message
om...

I said that "..in most parts of the world.." etc.

I believe that the term "yacht" has a different meaning in the USA.


I thought yacht has nothing to do with power or sail.


Over here it almost always refers to a sailing vessel. I am familiar with
the use of the term to describe large private motor boats. However, when
I
hear the word "yacht", I immediately picture something that sails, and is
30-40 foot long.



I always thought of a yacht as something in the 100 footer range owned
by someone like Mr. Thrump, with a similar attitude. Something only
the super rich have as a plush toy complete with crew.

That isn't the accepted use of the word on this side of the Atlantic.

Here is the definition from Chambers:-

yacht italicyot, n orig/italic a light fast-sailing vessel; a
sailing,
steam-powered, etc vessel elegantly fitted out for pleasure trips or
racing.......



The second part of the definition agrees with your understanding.
However,
the first definition is the commonly used one over here.






Has Donal cheapened the meaning, or was my vision to lofty.

Neither. The word has different meanings on either side of the Atlantic.



And when does a boat become a ship? And could that have somethig to do
with defining a yacht?


Good question. I haven't a clue.



Regards


Donal
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